Making Layout Room Progress

Looks like a great start Tom....your skill set is above mine at the moment....and that's what keeps me motivated .....good luck with your progress..I will tag along for the ride....

Hi JOCELEB:

Thanks for the nice comments.  I have been building models since I was 12 years old and I'm a heck of a lot older than that now.  Keep plugging away at it, that's how you improve.  

My first switch took me 4 days.  Now I can complete a switch in a day, and that includes spiking it to the layout.

If you do any soldering, it is real handy to have a resistance soldering unit.  I built mine from an old 3V transformer, but you can buy them as well.  For me, the only big expense was the footpedal and the meters.  

Thanks...   Tom

That's an interesting choice of lighting you have.  How did you decide on using those lamps?

Rick

Hi Rick:

I had the lamps on hand and I like to re-purpose.  They appear to work well with the cathedral ceiling and I eventually will change the CFC's to LED spots.  I can then also use dimmers.

The red caboose has only the Kaydee couplers and 2 brake wheels that were purchased.  Everything else is scratch built.  I turned the wheels from brass and they are sprung by using the springs from old inner tube valves.  I made a small brass lantern for the rear which is lighted.  I made red and green lenses for the lantern from an old light-bright game.

I am retired and have more time than money.  I am saving up to purchase Tortoise switch machines.

Thanks...Tom